With the shock waves of the 2008 financial meltdown still being felt around the world, Ridge residents have had to tighten belts this year in order to make ends meet. The Ridge Online asked members of the community whether they had been forced to reconsider where and how they spend their money.
Send us your comments: How is the tough economy affecting your pocket?
Dale, Umhlanga:
“This year has definitely been tougher than previous years. It’s been harder to budget. No one has any business, so that in turn impacts on your business. We’ve definitely had to cut back on expenses.”
Dale has stopped shopping at Woolworths and is disciplined about doing a monthly shop at his retailer of choice, Spar.
“I’ve cut down on those little trips to Woolies. I’ve cut down on cigarettes and other extravagances like DVDs. I buy more basic toiletries.”
Dale’s little indulgences include getting take-away once a week and not cutting back on his passion, surfing (the travelling expenses can be hefty). This will not be changing any time soon, he says.
Lindy, Durban North:
“I would definitely agree that times are tough. No one seems to be splashing out on Christmas this year. I’ve got a new baby and a lot of my focus and expenditure is there.”
While Lindy used to shop at Pick n Pay, she’s now a Spar convert.
“Shopping wise, we’re saving money by not buying everything in bulk, by shopping around for specials. I get medicine, vitamins and such for my baby in bulk at Dis-Chem and make quite a saving there.”
Lindy treats herself to a pedicure and regular trips to the hair salon, as before.
Mandy, Mount Edgecombe:
“The cost of living is increasing dramatically. It’s hit home now to the extent where I feel that I need to be far tighter on the budget. We need to identify areas where we, as a family, can spend less.”
Mandy shops at Woolworths (fresh produce and weekly) and Pick n Pay (monthly). “I feel I can make a saving by being more disciplined with my trips to Woolworths, although I won’t compromise on quality of fresh produce and will continue to support Woolies in that regard.”
Mandy said she aimed to cut down on pre-prepared food and rather make dinner out of fresh ingredients, and to cut out the “ad hoc shopping”.
“I won’t give up my Dermalogica or good hair products, they will certainly not be falling by the wayside.”
Jackie, Umhlanga:
“I suppose it depends on your job and whether your company can afford to give you an increase. Unfortunately I didn’t get a bonus this year so it’s been pretty tough.”
Jackie always shops at Spar.
“To save money I prepare a list and stick to my list. Taking a stroll down the aisles and buying what takes your fancy is the kiss of death. I used to avoid ‘no-name-brands’, but don’t have the luxury of doing that any more. You compromise your health when you buy inferior products, but what can you do?”
Jackie won’t compromise on hair products or skin care products: “I’m particularly fussy about what I put on my face! I know it’s vain, but I spend money in that area.”
Gateway extends shopping hours
Brad, Mount Edgecombe:
“This time of the year is terrible, it’s really tough because you have so many expenses. They’re always advertising specials but I don’t find any real savings.”
Brad shops at Flanders Mall Woolworths and Shoprite at Gateway.
“I try to be disciplined. Whenever I spend more than R200 I put it on my debit card, I keep the credit card stashed away. I try to draw as little as possible at the ATM because things are rather tight at the moment.”
“I’ve cut down on extravagances. Chocolates are my greatest weakness. This has saved my teeth and my wallet. I’ve also limited meals out at restaurants.”
Brad said he couldn’t live without his passion for The Sharks and rugby though. “I spend quite a bit on my social life, travelling to rugby matches and going to the pub to support the boys. This is something I’m not planning to change any time soon.”
Rita, Ballito:
“It’s actually not as bad as last year for us. My husband’s a builder and the move north to Ballito last year seems to have really helped business. 2010’s been good to us.”
Rita shops at Woolworths and at Pick n Pay.
“One way I’ve saved quite a bit of money (I had to when business was not going so well) was to cut out trips to convenience stores. I now also go to Everfresh for fresh produce.”
One thing Rita can’t do without is spoiling herself with a bottle of bubbly or a glass of wine.
Tanya, Mount Edgecombe:
“We’ve all felt the pinch a bit this year. Absolutely.”
Tanya shops at Gateway Spar and Gateway Woolworths.
“I save a few bob by shopping on pensioners’ day Tuesday at Gateway. I have to do something to get my husband off my back!”
One thing Tanya can’t live without is her pedicure every three weeks, a haircut once a month at the salon and a round of golf once a week!
Jackson, Westville (works in Umhlanga):
“We’ve had to reassess the entire way we budget. It’s like chalk and cheese. Like the Simply Red song goes, Money’s Too Tight to Mention.”
Jackson shops at Spar and Checkers.
“I try to save money on petrol because I drive so much. I try not to travel at rush hour if possible and I drive 10-15km slower. It seems to help. I also shop weekly rather than popping into the shops every other day.”
Jackson says he enjoys a decent whiskey in the evenings and always keeps a bottle in the house. “I love travel and must get out of Durban once a month.”